It is truly a privilege to work with a group of teachers who recognize their mission reaches far beyond simply covering the curriculum—beyond teaching students how to read, write, and do arithmetic. While we value the many opportunities our students receive through field trips, engaging classroom experiences, and athletic events—including tournaments, overnight trips, and even out-of-province travel—there is something even more important at the heart of our school. Each member of our staff carries a genuine mission and passion for teaching students about Jesus.
Throughout the school year I see this lived out in many ways: extra worships held outdoors in God’s creation, moments of prayer after practices in the gym, planned worship times in classrooms, and even spontaneous faith conversations woven into daily lessons. These moments reflect the true purpose of Christian education.
Just last week, at the beginning of the school day, I was busy distributing the random access codes for Alberta Education’s Assurance Survey. As I walked through the hallway greeting students, one of our youngest students stopped me in my tracks.
A small voice, filled with joy, sincerity, and deep conviction, called out: “Jesus is coming!” I was on my way to the next task and didn’t expect a long conversation—but what she said mattered too much to simply keep walking.
I looked down at her smiling face and knelt to one knee to share the moment with her. “Yes, He is,” I replied. “And when He comes, all of His angels will be with Him, and we will get to go to Heaven.”
For a brief moment in that busy hallway, nothing else mattered. We shared a short conversation about this wonderful promise—the most important truth any of us can learn in this world. What made the moment even more meaningful is that this student comes from one of our newer families, who is new to our Seventh-day Adventist school community. My heart was filled with gratitude for the work of our teachers. The message of Jesus’ soon return had clearly taken root in her heart. Moments like this remind me why we are here.
This is the true purpose of our school community, and I am deeply thankful for this school and for the dedicated team of educators who serve here. If you haven’t paused lately to reflect on this promise, I encourage you to take a moment. Step away from the busyness of work, the responsibilities at home, and the many pressures that life brings.
Many of us are carrying heavy burdens—illness in our families, personal hardships, or the weight of conflict happening around the world. But these things will not last forever. Jesus is coming soon. One day sorrow will pass away, broken things will be restored, and we will live in the joy of His presence.
Rest in that promise.
And share that good news with others—with the same joy and sincerity that a little kindergarten girl shared in our hallway that morning.
By Steven Gabrys, Principal | College Heights Christian School
Summer 2026 | Alberta Adventist News page 69, AAN-Summer-2026-Issuu by Alberta Adventist Conference – Issuu